Advanced: National Schools Poetry Prize

The winning poem.
Great achievement for a 13 year old. At that age I was still trying to find words that rhymed.

Nan
At the funeral
we sang beneath
high-beamed ceilings
in yellow light filtered
through a stained glass jesus.
I whispered to a bent microphone
of fish bones and sick days
of hot cocoa rice and
early morning mutterings of prayer
and of you.
But when I stood above you
eyes cast down
fixed on your cold cheek
I couldn't bring myself to
touch you.

Or you could watch an animated version here:
http://vimeo.com/26752033

TESOL: Teacher Gabriel

Here is Gabriel.  What would you be thinking as a student? What if you were observing him as a teacher?

Advanced: Great podcast

Occasionally you hear something that just cries out "Turn me into a lesson!". Usually it's something quirky that in the end is probably left on my iPod because it's only of interest to me and 6% of the students I teach.

But this podcast from NPR All Songs Considered has real people choosing the songs that make them cry and telling their stories.  It is riveting, emotional stuff.  Great language.  Real language and great music.  If I was a student I would lap this up.  Highly recommended to anyone with a heart and a soul.

I must turn part of it into a lesson.  I must.

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/19/138511911/cry-baby-cry-songs-that-make-you-weep